Master of Public Relations and Advertising
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1-2 Year(s) Full-time
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8281
- CRICOS code 083245C
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $34,500*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $69,500*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $51,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $106,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Professional experience
-
Mentoring opportunities
-
Flexible study options
Postgraduate Information Evening
Online | Wednesday, 1 April (6–7pm AEDT)
Join us online for the Postgraduate Information Evening to hear directly from UNSW academics, current students and advisors as they tackle the most common questions about postgraduate study—from flexible learning options and financial support to application tips and recognition of prior learning.
Application closures for 2026
International applications for all undergraduate programs, as well as postgraduate programs offered by the faculties of Arts, Design & Architecture, Engineering (excluding Master of Information Technology and associated programs) and Science are now closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) for 2026 intakes.
Postgraduate programs offered by the Business School and the faculties of Law & Justice and Medicine & Health remain open. Master of Information Technology (and associated programs) also remain open.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Master of Public Relations and Advertising is a hands-on, two-year postgraduate program that will prepare you for a new chapter in this vibrant, fast-paced industry. It balances academic theory with practical industry experience, making it ideal for PR and advertising professionals looking to take their next step, as well as career-changers moving into a new profession.
Over two years of full-time study, you’ll learn how to inform, persuade and promote ideas and products. You’ll engage creatively with different concepts, hone your communication skills and study successful PR and advertising campaigns under the guidance of experienced mentors and leading academics.
Graduate career-ready with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful progress in the world of PR and advertising. This program will shape you into a well-rounded communication professional known for your creativity, innovation and business acumen.
Key features
Direct access to industry-leading mentors
In the UNSW Master of Public Relations and Advertising, you’ll be mentored by academics who are leaders in the industry and at the forefront of key trends, discourses, dynamics and patterns in global media and communications.
Opportunities to gain hands-on experience
You’ll be supported and encouraged to make the most of UNSW’s strong industry connections through work experience, industry-focused projects, networking and work-integrated learning opportunities.
Follow your interests with flexible electives
Tailor your program to include electives based on a specific field of interest. Electives include industry-relevant subjects such as Understanding Digital Cultures, Advertising Analytics, Understanding Contemporary Media, Advertising & Strategy and Writing for Media.
Why study at UNSW?
Join a top university
UNSW is a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) with a stellar international reputation. UNSW is also ranked #1 in Australia and #32 globally for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2026).
Flexible study options
Benefit from a learning environment that can flex and adapt to your needs. UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture offers flexible study options, including hybrid delivery models. Here, everyone has access to equal opportunities and the support they need for success.
Graduate with two master’s degrees
Combine the Master of Public Relations and Advertising with another eligible Arts, Design & Architecture master’s degree to graduate with even more expertise and potential.
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
There are three different streams of the Master of Public Relations and Advertising. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to public relations and advertising.
You may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 2 year stream (C)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% or better.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Relevant disciplines include:
- Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising.
Qualifications in the following disciplines may also be relevant where there is evidence of specialisation in Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations and/or Advertising:
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Marketing, Business, Commerce, Management
- Law
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
There are three different streams of the Master of Public Relations and Advertising. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to public relations and advertising.
You may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 2 year stream (C)
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% or better.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
Relevant disciplines include:
- Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising.
Qualifications in the following disciplines may also be relevant where there is evidence of specialisation in Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations and/or Advertising:
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Marketing, Business, Commerce, Management
- Law
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The UNSW Master of Public Relations and Advertising provides a professionally relevant, rigorous education in public relations and advertising, with a particular focus on ethical, respectful communication. It includes a mix of foundational core courses, advanced disciplinary courses and prescribed electives.
Full program structure
There are three ways to complete the Master of Public Relations and Advertising, depending on whether you have any prior professional experience.
If you have significant PR or advertising experience, you may be able to complete the degree comprising 48 units of credit (UOC) in one year of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent).
If you have some relevant PR or advertising experience, there is a fast-tracked version of the program comprising 72 UOC in 1.7 years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent).
Students without prior experience must complete 96 UOC over two years of full-time study or the part-time equivalent.
Explore the structure of each stream below:
Future careers
Graduates of the Master of Public Relations and Advertising go on to lead vibrant, future-focused careers in diverse roles across government, media and corporate communication. From representing an array of clients within an agency environment to working in-house for leading brands or thought leaders, there are plenty of opportunities to flex your creativity, innovation and strategic thinking skills.
Public Relations Managers and Advertising Managers are becoming highly sought-after in Australia, and demand for both roles is expected to grow by 4.4% over the next five years (Seek, 2026). Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers earn an average of $2,331 per week, which is $634 above the total workforce median (Jobs and Skills Atlas Australia, 2026).
Potential careers
- Account executive
- Account manager
- Advertising strategist
- Brand manager
- Brand strategist
- Campaign manager
- Chief marketing officer (CMO)
- Communications director
- Communications manager
- Content strategist
- Crisis communications specialist
- Head of brand
- Media relations manager
- Political communications adviser
- Political strategist
- Press secretary
- Public information officer
- Public relations manager
- Publicist
- Social media manager
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
UNSW is ranked #20 university in the world
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
"My Master of Public Relations and Advertising was incredibly rewarding. It was an opportunity to meet smart people from around the world who shared the same interests as me, learn from advertising execs and work on real-world briefs."
Laura Prael
Founder, LEP Digital
